28/07/2021 Reflection 1235 (Bro. Josin Thomas OP on Matthew 13: 44-46)

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In today’s gospel we find two parables on the kingdom of Heaven. In the first parable, Jesus says the kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, and in the second, Jesus says the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. Treasure is always hidden and we ought to search to find it. As we all know, in the olden days, the diamond and gold merchants were always on a journey. For what? To find the best pearl in the world. And after finding one such pearl of great value, the merchant would sell all that he has in order to buy the pearl. Why does the merchant sell everything? For he clearly knows that in order to buy the most valuable pearl, he should sell all that he has.

Similarly, we know the incident of a rich young man in search of something. One day he approached Jesus and asked Him, “Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said, “You know all the commandments”. And the rich man said, “I have observed all the commandments from my youth”. Jesus then replied to him, “One thing you still lack.” After following the ten commandments and all the Mosaic laws, he still lacked one thing. Jesus said, “Sell all that you have and distribute it to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven.” So dear brothers and sisters, our treasure is in heaven and not on earth.

Jesus clearly knew that the rich man’s heart was filled with the desire for wealth. This is why in Mt 6:21 Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be.” Our heart always goes to where our treasure is kept. Therefore, where our heart and mind are rushing to, there is our treasure box. If we are always concerned about wealth, the pleasures and worries of the world, then these become our treasures.

Today, as we all know, the Holy Catholic Church celebrates the feast of St. Alphonsa, the first Indian Canonized saint, born in India. A daughter of suffering. Even though she belonged to a rich family, she found her real treasure in Jesus through holy poverty and suffering. Like St. Alphonsa, many of the saints who found their treasure in the Lord, were found to live differently than others. They gave up everything. Their wealth, their prospects, their career, their comforts, their health and even their life. Because they found their treasure in Jesus. This is what motivated St. Alphonsa to say “My Jesus is sufficient for me; I shall not lack anything.”

Dear brothers and sisters, let us then fix our eyes on the Lord, the real treasure and pray along with St. Alphonsa:
Lord Jesus, you are my treasure and fine pearl. I surrender everything to you. Be mine. Amen.


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